Barbara Bedell: Congratulations to two hardworking volunteers

Thursday

Sep 27, 2007 at 2:00 AM

Recognition for doing a good job, whether through a nonprofit for volunteerism or getting a positive feature article in a publication, is music to the soul. If there are doubts, just ask Anthony Buccieri or Michael DiTullo.

Barbara Bedell

Recognition for doing a good job, whether through a nonprofit for volunteerism or getting a positive feature article in a publication, is music to the soul. If there are doubts, just ask Anthony Buccieri or Michael DiTullo.

Buccieri of Newburgh, known to everyone as Tony, is a World War II veteran who is always on the go. At 2 p.m. Sunday at the Quality Inn on Route 17K in Newburgh, his Catholic War Veterans Post 386 will honor him with a top award for volunteerism and community service, especially to fellow veterans. The honor will be given during a dinner-dance. Tickets are $26 and still available by calling Michael Burke at 562-4347.

Buccieri is a past commander of the post. He's also a member of several veterans groups and is one of the most devoted volunteers at the VA Medical Center at Castle Point. A few years ago, volunteer services at Castle Point honored him with an award for the thousands of hours he has given through the years. He mostly helps veterans with paperwork, but he's such an uplifting kind of person with a great personality and perpetual smile that he's like a "floater," helping wherever needed.

For decades he's been in charge of organizing the VFW Day at Castle Point, an inspiring program that includes speakers, a parade, and a light lunch. He's also an active member of the Orange County Veterans Coalition. Just last Sunday, the nonprofit, which includes 26 veterans group, gave Buccieri its highest honor, the Lenny Rifkin Patriot American Award. The award is named for the Coalition's benefactor, a veteran who got the group off the ground with a generous donation and who continues to give financial support although now a resident of the state of Florida.

DiTullo, whom many call Mike, was listed as one of "35 people who have created a lasting legacy to the Hudson Valley" in the 35th anniversary issue of the Hudson Valley Magazine. The former president and CEO of Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress is affiliated with Hillside Cos. in Newburgh. He was listed along with Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, Pete Seeger, Thomas Watson, Henry Hudson, E.W. Harriman and Laurance Rockefeller. Congratulations.

Let there be music

Among Sunday's offerings will be two concerts in Middletown, unfortunately at the same time. Each is expected to attract an audience of devoted supporters.

The Friends of the Middletown Thrall Library is sponsoring a free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday in the community room of the library at 11-19 Depot St. The program of songs, lieder and chansons will be given by Greek-American soprano Julie Ziavras and pianist-composer Steve Margoshes. The Friends group is the fundraising and social arm of the library. Through membership dues, gift donations and grants, and profits from a very successful used book store in a separate building on the library's grounds, the group provides community programs and special events such as the concert. A scholar-led book discussion series is under way with two scheduled for October, including "Animal Farm" by George Orwell on Oct. 10, and "Straight Man" by Richard Russo on Oct. 24. Both will be led by Peggy Abt from 7-9 p.m. at the library.

The group also makes significant purchases for the library, including equipment and books. Among recent gifts was a seven-volume series titled "Working Americans," Grey House Rare Disorders Directory, Encyclopedia Judaica, "Middle East Nations in the News," and "Understanding Immigration."

The bookstore is a community treasure with thousands of "dirt-cheap" hardcover and paperback books for all ages, with most priced from 25 cents to $1. It's child- and stroller-friendly, although the aisles are narrow.

For information, call the library at 341-5454 or the bookstore at 344-1255 or visit the Web site at www.thrall.org.

The jazz concert featuring guitarist Eddie Dirr is a unique offering created by the artist's grandson Ethan Weber, who is working toward an Eagle Scout badge. Admission is two nonperishable food items to benefit the heavily used RECAP's Emergency Food Pantry at 40 Smith St. in Middletown. The concert will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the Mulberry Senior Citizens Center at 70 W. Main St., Middletown. It will include young Weber, who has been studying with his grandfather, along with bassist Shawn Ferraro, clarinetist and alto saxophonist Joe Stellato and keyboardist Tony Trotta. For information, call 343-3254.

Myrna Ginsberg, first vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Monticello, received the Kiwanis International's Ruby Pin for sponsoring five new members during the club year. The award was given by Chuck Krogslund of Middletown, lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis' Hudson River West Division.